Preschooler And Up

Big List of Chores 2 & 3 Year-Olds Can Do On Their Own

Here are some chores for toddlers and preschoolers they can do independently which will help teach life skills and confidence.

If you’ve got toddlers and preschoolers you know it can get overwhelming meeting all their needs all day long.

It’s a privilege, but it makes for a super tired mom. Here are some things you’re probably doing for your kids that you can stop.

As a mother of four kids, the oldest will turn 4 years old this week, some of the best advice I’ve ever received was to not do for your kids what they can do on their own.

I’m telling you, I internalized this early.

It is fairly easy to do every single thing for one child and even two, but the more kids you have the more you realize that you don’t have the time to do every little thing.

Nor should you!

Kids actually enjoy accomplishing tasks on their own. It’s why I make sure there are plenty of Chores for Toddlers to do around here.

One of my children’s favorite phrases said with joy and a huge smile is, “Look mom, I did it by muhself!” I’m here to tell you, it brings me as much joy as it brings them.

➡️ While this is not an exhaustive list, here are things that I allow (and sometimes require, depending on the situation) my children to do on their own as soon as they are able.

You may think some of these are nuts, but it works for us. Remember, however, it isn’t a problem unless it’s a problem for you.

Tasks, jobs, & chores for toddlers & preschoolers

When you first move into having some chores for your toddlers around the house, you’ll be right there with them most of the time.

As they get bigger and more used to it, however, they may want to run off and do it a bit without as much of your help.

Clean up their toys. When they take toys out, they put them back. This sometimes needs a bit of sidewalk supervising so they aren’t overwhelmed, but they catch on quickly. (Read: Tidy Routines That Work)
Pick out their clothes. Their clothes are in drawers they can reach and I will instruct them to pick them out. It doesn’t always work nor will I always ask them to do it, but they seem to enjoy it. (Read: Downsizing Kid Clothes)
Get dressed. I have one child who always wants to dress herself, and another who makes the biggest deal about it. He gives one attempt at putting his arm through the hole then falls backwards and whines, “I can’t, mommy!” Because of this we really try to focus on helping him persevere. I’ll stand beside him and guide him, but he feels so victorious when he’s done it so I try to let him even if it takes 5 minutes.

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Family Tidy Routines

This workshop will help you build a simple 15-minute daily routine that fits into real life—so the house stays (mostly) clean and the kids finally learn to help. Because a clean home is a team effort, not a one-mom show.

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These chores help toddlers build independence

One of the biggest benefits of chores for toddlers and preschoolers is they learn to help out from an early age so there’s never any “I’m not used to this” and refusing to do it going on.

Take off their clothes. Before bath, I ask mine to take off their own clothes. Sometimes they can and sometimes they can’t depending on the fit of the outfit, but they give it a go.
Put dirty clothes away. We have a laundry basket in every child’s room. Our laundry basket is in the hallway and I will remind them (they do always need reminding) to put their clothes in the laundry basket after they’ve taken them off. (Video: Our Awesome Laundry System)
Help fix their own sandwich. My kids like to spread their own jelly and peanut butter. I will say this is largely an exercise in frustration for the younger one, but they try and I let them.
Put their plates in the sink. After the kids have eaten they are always to clear their own area. So they’ll put their cups and plates either in the sink (if it’s plastic), beside the sink (if it’s glass), or in the trash (if it’s disposable). And without being told they know which is which and don’t break anything!

These chores help mom out

Get their own water. Some refrigerators give you access to water within arm’s reach which is good. You can magnetize a cup or clip them on the refrigerator too. Ours does not, however, and my kids will push a stool (sometimes 5 feet) to the kitchen sink. Climb the stool, fill their cup, climb down, push the stool back, then drink their water. Honestly. And they smile the whole time.
Empty the dishwasher. If they are old enough to be careful and don’t have to carry plates and glasses far, I think emptying the dishwasher with some supervision is totally possible.

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

No Nag Chore Routines

Getting kids to do chores shouldn’t be a daily battle. Let me help you build a simple, age-appropriate system that teaches independence, teamwork, and responsibility—without constant micromanaging. Because a well-run home isn’t about doing it all yourself.

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Wipe their area. Kids make a mess while eating often times and that’s okay. I can’t pay close attention to every mouthful of my kids so after they’re done eating we’ll pass them a wet rag and let them wipe it up. It isn’t perfect, but it communicates to leave an area clean.
Bathe themselves. I’m not saying leave them in the bath alone at all. But as they are in the bath and playing you can let them begin to wash. Of course, you’ll have to go behind them to make sure it’s all clean if they didn’t get in all the right places, but mine also like to have control over where the soap goes since they don’t want it in their eyes.
Brush their teeth. Again, I go behind them and touch up any brushing or get the hard-to-reach back places, but we always let them have a go first. I want them to feel independent and capable of self-care tasks, and they generally don’t mind if I “make sure we got it all” after they’re done. (Read: Guaranteed Wind Down Routines)

Some life skills that double as chores

Turn on and off their night lights and white noise. With small ones you can’t guarantee silence throughout the night so, in an attempt to prevent everyone from waking if one wakes, I have some type of white noise in their rooms. Two have old (and I mean old) radios on FM static, one uses a white noise app on the tablet, and one uses a white noise app on my phone. (Read: 10 Reasons Your Baby Can’t Sleep)
Make their bed. Mine aren’t able to actually fix their sheets and comforters, but I fold those and then they straighten their pillows and toys.
Fold towels. My daughter is pretty good at folding towels. When we’re folding laundry I’ll separate the towels and smaller blankets for her to fold. They aren’t perfect but remember Type A mom, they don’t have to be!

folded towels chores for toddlers and preschoolers

Life skills kids can do

Get in and out of the car and into their car seat. I’m sure this started when I had my third child and he was on my hip, but for as long as I can remember I’ve had my kids climb into the car on their own and sit in their seats. And this is in a minivan and a big pickup truck. Ha. They love it. It takes a bit more time as you can imagine, but it’s worth it for me and makes me dread errands a tad less. (See: My funny toddler carseat meme)
Walk beside the shopping cart. I simply can’t put all my kids in the cart and actually get food into it. And I tell you if all the kids are with me then you know I must have been in some dire need of food. My 3 and 2 year olds will both walk beside the shopping cart throughout grocery shopping. Or really sometimes they’ll hang on to the sides and ride, but they do not have to be in it. (Read: How to run errands with small kids and not regret it)
Walk instead of ride in the stroller. Again, I discovered this out of necessity, but once my kids turn 2 they pretty much don’t get to ride in the stroller. Sorry not sorry. Double strollers can get super heavy and hard to push, particularly postpartum. We’ve walked all over major cities, through parks, done a 5k, been sightseeing, and run errands with the little ones walking. Of course I’ll stop and hold them or give them a break if they complained but you know what? They never ever do.

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Sticky Routines System

Giving you a step-by-step guide to overcome barriers and stick to the healthy routines you’ve committed to. Learn the mindsets and secrets disciplined moms use to run a tight ship🚢 (think, mornings, chores, homework, bedtime, self-care, etc.)

Start Now

Okay I could go on, but the list is getting long and plus I’d love to hear from you.

Sources:

What are independent tasks for kids that they could start learning easily?

If teaching your kids to do things independently is new for your family, find the part of the day that you dread the most or feels the most chaotic. Then, find things that your kids can do during that time to make things easier for you. It will be more work at the beginning as you teach them how to do things independently but it will pay off in the long run.

What are realistic expectations for what my toddler can do independently?

Start small and observe what works and what doesn’t for your child and your family. As your child begins to do a few things independently, evaluate how they’re doing and if you want to add more tasks or not.

Kids’ Morning & Bedtime Routine Charts For Independent Kids

Help your child build independence and responsibility with these printable morning and bedtime daily routine charts for kids.

If you’re at home with little ones – and attempting to get into some type of daily schedule, then LET ME APPLAUD YOU.

Now, I gotta say, as a mom of 5 kids in 5 years, I know the importance of having some predictability in our lives. Let’s jump into some ways that a lack of routine manifests itself during our days.

Meltdowns

Tantrums

Chaos

Mess

Power battles

Defiance

Honestly, I could go on and on but we’ll all get bored because this ain’t no surprise. Routines bring predictability and help both moms and kids have more peaceful and calm days.

why & how to display your routines

Morning and evening routines make the world go round.

You heard it here first, people!

The key for kids to be able to follow a good morning, afternoon, or evening routine is that it is visual and they can follow it on their own.

Sometimes, printables are preferable to written tables or charts because kids can’t follow those as well.

They are quite spreadsheet-y!

A great way to display your morning or evening routines are on these felt boards.
Or good old fashioned tape. We’ve taped ours to walls.
And puttied them to walls.
And my colleague attaches them to the wall with removable contact paper to stick them.

Get as casual or as fussy as you prefer!

Read: 7 Effective Phrases To Encourage Independence

morning routine chart for kids on a felt board — Cards you can use for a morning routine

Motivation – why independent routines matter

The key in having a routine is to help your little one learn to take care of their bodies, responsibilities, chores, and specific daily tasks.

Of course, as their mama, you’ll be right there with them if they need it.

Helping your child learn some independence in their routines will do the following.

Teach confidence | Kids don’t become confident because we compliment them a lot. In fact, research shows that when we compliment our kids above what they believe about themselves, it actually causes embarrassment. On the other hand, children become confident when they believe in their own abilities.
Prevent kids acting out from boredom | When kids get bored they get into things. They color walls and other such mischief. The best way to keep kids plugging along happily throughout the day following family rules is to give them something to occupy themselves with.
Teach delayed gratification and responsibility | No one really likes to do the basic boring humdrum things of life. However, these tasks are the things that make up our days. When kids learn to do things on their own, they are less entitled and set up for success as they navigate a future when they are responsible for their choices.

Little by little, as you help your kids take care of their own responsibilities, routines, and self-care, you’ll find confident happy kids in front of you.

Read: Why Kids Need Independent Play Times Daily – And How To Start

morning and bedtime routine charts laid out on table — 25+ printable routine cards

Morning routine printables

The morning routine is so so so important for the tone of the day. You likely have your own mom morning routine that helps you get up and prepared.

Your kids need the same.

When kids are school aged they’ll have school morning routines, but for younger ones at home, they need some direction in the morning. You know, so the morning doesn’t start at 10 a.m. with nobody dressed.

???

Here are some things to add to your little one’s morning routine

Wake up time | You can choose a reasonable hour your little one sleeps to, then get a wake up clock, and have your child stay in their room until then.
Bed making or tidying | Some of my little ones can’t make their beds because of the size, so they will simply tidy it or fold the blankets. Even a little bit of tidying goes a long way and gets them in the habit.
Getting dressed | You can put up a card for your little one to get dressed
Brushing teeth & combing hair | Depending on your little one’s age, you can begin to help them learn hygiene and general body maintenance routines. No need to get too detailed about it, but just a step in having kids who can independently get themselves ready for school later.
Eating breakfast | Now, you may not think this needs to go on a card because hunger calls! However, your little one will love

toddler eating at the table as part of morning routine

Afternoon routine charts

In the afternoon, your little one may have the following that you can put into their afternoon routine.

naptime
getting up from nap
snack time (good snacking rules here)
independent play
chores (101+ printable chore cards here)
outdoor play
free play

Of course, there may be other things. You may end up going on errands in the afternoon with your little one or visiting friends.

You can print and put the cards on a metal ring for kids who want to flip through

Printable bedtime routine chart

Now, we all know that the bedtime routine can get hair for many families.

Toddlers fight it.

Bedtime battles happen.

Moms are so utterly exhausted by bedtime that they are like JUST GO TO BED, PLEASE, LET ME HAVE SOME ALONE TIME.

Honestly, this is what happens all over the world around 7 p.m. Don’t fight it. Use that tiredness to your own advantage. Streamline and autopilot this bedtime routine so that everyone gets the rest they need.

Here are some things that can go in the bedtime routine chart

Bathing or showering
Brushing teeth
Getting on pajamas
Reading books together
Cleaning up toys on the bedroom floor
Singing songs together
Praying

You can add in here whatever you like, but hopefully that’ll get you going.

bedtime routine chart cards laid out on table — Morning, evening, afternoon, chore time, meal time, and play time cards are included in the printable cards

WHERE to put your visual morning & bedtime routine charts

Your bedtime routine chart should typically be in the sleeping area where your child will be. It may be okay in the bathroom or common area if you do any reading there, like a play or bonus room.

The key is to make sure that the routine chart is visible, easily accessible, and not out of the way. If it’s out of the way, you simply won’t refer to it.

Bedroom walls for the morning and bedtime routines
Bathroom walls for the self-care and hygiene routines
Hallways for the routines where your child will pass by this wall
Kitchens (for the snack and meal time routines)
Play areas, bonus rooms, play rooms, etc. for the play time routines

A school morning routine kids can follow on their own — Want to help your child learn a specific daily habit? Use the cards to prominently display!

Things to keep in mind when using visual routines with kids

When you want to begin teaching independence in routines to your little ones, there are a few things to consider so the whole thing isn’t an exercise in frustration.

Ask me how I know.

Keep the cards at eye level for your child.
Show your child the cards and ask them what they think they mean. Let them see and touch them. It’ll stop them from wanting to pull them down later.
Hang the routine cards up together so your child child can help pick placement. If they can’t see them easily, they won’t refer to them!
Practice a run through with your child to get their wheels turning about how it’ll work in actual practice.

I hope these help you to fine tune your daily routines so your mornings, afternoons, and evenings are more peaceful.

Grab your own printable routine cards here.

FAQs

How do you make a routine for kids?

You add in all the things that *must* happen, and then you fill in the rest of the time with the extras. So, you’ll add in when they must get up, eat meals, go to sleep, school, etc. and then build a routine around all the things that need to happen in a good, easy to follow, order.

How do I get my child into a bedtime routine?

First, you decide the time your child needs to get to bed. Then you start around 30 to 45 minutes earlier (depending on your child’s age) and you add in the things that will help them wind down, get calm, and drift off to sleep. Then, you display the routine, and you enforce it.

Why is bedtime so hard for toddlers?

There’s a few reasons. If toddlers are overtired, overstimulated, or ruling the roost, they will resist bedtime. Conversely, if they have napped until 5 p.m. they won’t want to go to bed at 7:30 p.m. A child’s resistance to bedtime shouldn’t stop you from putting your toddler to bed at a proper time that prevents overtiredness and grumpiness the next day.

How can I make my toddler easier in the morning?

One way to make your toddler more cooperative in the morning is an established routine they can follow. When they know what to do, what’s expected of them, and have visual display of these things (like these routine cards) they’ll be more cooperative.

How can I make sure my child can do their routine independently?

Give them time and intentionally teach them the new routine. Walk through the routine with them as you explain how to do each step and help them. Then, when they are ready to start doing things more independently as you monitor until you are confident that they can do everything independently.

What should I do if my child’s routine needs to be tweaked?

Explain the changes to them, switch their routine cards if you’re using them, and guide them along with the new routine for a few days until they are adjusted to it.

Raising Independent Kids – Without Creating Emotional Distance!

There is a healthy balance between independence and emotional dependency. As moms, we want to be sure we’re raising independent children without sacrificing the love and bonding we crave.

My aunt and uncle have 3 daughters.

He always said he raised them so he could drop them off in North Carolina with $5 and they could find their way back to Florida.

They are all three unique, independent, self-sufficient and have close relationships with their parents even in adulthood. Instead of escaping their home to go elsewhere, they were the type of girls who invited friends to their house.

child independently making their own sandwich

It struck me as a win win.

The girls were independent, but not so independent they didn’t think they needed their parents around. In fact, they actually liked being around their parents.

Raising Independent Children

I want my children to be street smart and self-sufficient and confident in their problem solving and decision-making skills.

I want them to know how to do things for themselves and others. However, I don’t want them to think they don’t need me.

I don’t want them to feel like they have no use for me by the time they’re 15 (over and above the normal amount teenagers think their parents are useless). Most of all, I want our family to be emotionally connected and supportive of one another.

Sometimes parents can foster so much independence that they sever some ties they wish they hadn’t.

Here are some thoughts on raising independent children who still want you around:

Talk a lot.

The more you talk with someone the closer you are.

Simple fact.

As children age they may desire to talk to us less at various times and seasons. I’ve heard relationships are often like rubber bands. To get the job done, the band pulls away and then comes close again.

I believe a goal of communication within families should be that the lines of communication are always open, conversations are always welcome, and that the parents seek out meaningful daily interactions with their children.

They may know how to…

balance their checkbook,
set their own budget, and
build their own desk out of timber scraps, but…
that doesn’t mean you can’t discuss money,
financial planning, and
power tools with them.

You don’t need to know everything about their hobby to show interest and connect.

Having Pets Teaches Responsibility (In Ways You Don’t Realize)

Be consistent with follow-up.

In every area of life, I think follow-up is highly important.

Why start if you won’t finish? And, why tell your children to do something if you aren’t even going to check and be sure they have?

Be sure they’ll stop doing what you ask if they know you won’t check. It’s the same emotionally. When life gets busy and things get crazy we often forget to go back and check up on the little things.

Did your child tell you about a hard situation at school or with their friends? Did you follow it up to see how it got resolved?

It makes me feel so valued when someone remembers and references something I told them previously and asks how I am.

How much more so will our children feel valued if we remember the little things they share?

As they grow older they will surely “need” us less and less, but the support and love of a parent will slowly and steadily morph from something they need into something they want.

Promote raising independent children, but always be near for support.

We can’t fight all our children’s battles no matter how much we desire.

In fact, I think it will be equally as hard for us mothers (if you are like me, anyway) to back off and let them get on with it, as it will be for them to get on with it.

As children grow they will have to learn to take care of various things themselves.

If they do something wrong at school, they need to fix it.
If they have problems within their circle of friends, you calling the other girls’ mothers probably won’t help.

Of course there will be times when we must intervene, but there will be increasingly more times when we must let them handle things on their own. We must be present, willing to talk, and even more willing to listen.

They may not want us to intervene, but they will probably want to talk. I think that we must find a balance (see my post why balance is key).

We should balance pushing the point that we are there for them while still allowing them – and expecting them – to solve their problems.

Maintain your authority.

It is very important that parents establish their authority in the household from Day One.

Authority doesn’t mean be a mean dictator. Authority means you are taking responsibility for the well-being and upbringing of your children.

You make the decisions.

The buck stops with you.

Read These While You’re At It

If you feel you're about to lose it with the kids, stress or screaming or other things that are triggers for losing your temper or yelling, here's a great phrase to use!

“Give Me a Minute” – A Phrase For When You’re Gonna Lose It

3 Simple Keys To Understanding Your Child’s Emotional Needs

5 Daily Habits For Kids That Makes Your Life Easier

7 Phrases to Encourage Independence in Toddlers and Preschoolers

It is not because you’re on a power trip, but is because you are able to care for their safety and health when they are still too young to know how.

You feed, clothe and clean them.
You teach them the things they need to know to be successful adults.
And, though teenagers think they possess all knowledge, you know better.
Though you raise them to be independent and to take care of various things themselves, you must maintain your authority in your home.

For example, just because they can read doesn’t mean that all books are up for reading.

When parents don’t take their rightful place as heads of the household the children lose respect for them.

An independent spirit coupled with a loss of respect will mean they think they can do your job better than you. This does not make for a harmonious household or a flourishing relationship.

Raising Independent Children Re-Cap

I believe that one of the joys of motherhood is training our children in the way they should go.

I don’t mean pushing our own agenda on their life, but training them and showing them things that work and things that don’t. Being there for them as they explore their passions and interests.

We teach them life skills,
teach them relationship skills, and
spend valuable time with them.

Just like a coach…

We teach and train and teach and train and then, sit back and watch them in action. All the while right there with them.

A player has to play the game themselves, but it doesn’t mean they don’t need affirmation from their coach.

AKA, mom.

How can I be more consistent with following up with my kids?

Find a way to remind yourself of the things you want to follow up with them about. For example, keep a notepad by your bed and write down the things you want to remember to follow up on or talk to your kids about before you go to bed.

How can I naturally talk to my kids more?

Get in their world and do things with them that they like to do. Let them teach you how to do something they enjoy and ask them questions along the way. Then, start asking questions at different points throughout the day (like during meals or after school) to serve as an anchor to connect you to your kid throughout the day.

Ultimate List Of Good Manners For Kids (And Adults!)

Good manners can get you far in life. For some (myself included), I could use a great list of manners to remember and teach my kids. Here is that ultimate list:

I gotta say… when we are in baby toddler phase, it’s all hands on deck.

The level of supervision necessary to keep everyone safe and happy is insane and, by the end of the day, your brain and nerves are fried.

When the kids get older, though, you stop focusing so much on keeping them alive towards equipping them for life.

Still the same emotional support is needed, but we’re no longer worried about sleep, we’re worried about all they don’t know.

Especially here in the South, we are concerned with manners and consider it a vital part of our children’s education. Here are some general manners it’s good to teach the kids.

Politeness

First of all, people define politeness in many ways. And, even within a single country… manners and expectations of manners can vary depending on geographical location.

For some, if you don’t smile and make eye contact… that’s being rude. And, if you don’t say “hello, how ya doin’?” then you must be upset at that person.

In contrast, some feel that it’s rude to be spoken to or even make eye contact with someone you don’t know. They feel it’s unnecessary and awkward.

So that being said… politeness comes down to two things.

Know where you are and pay attention to the behaviors around you. I call this situational awareness.
Be genuine in your actions and motives.

Being polite means there’s a genuineness in your behaviors and words. And, believe me… nobody likes it when someone is “nice to them” just because they want something.

A truly polite person has a genuine demeanor and treats everyone with kindness and respect.

Likewise, a truly polite person gets politer with age and experiences.

Eye contact
Know the preferred greeting (shake hands, kiss cheek etc.)
Saying please and thank you
Using phrases like “excuse me” when relevant

Body Language

First of all, you can tell a lot about a person’s manners by their body language.

Are they an open/inviting person? Or, are they shut off from the people around them?

Here are some body language tips for good manners:

Make eye contact when being spoken to or speaking to someone.
Turn shoulders towards person or group of people.
Do not cross arms.
Keep your chin up and pointed in direction of conversation.
Avoid rolling eyes or signs.
Keep smiles and/or mouth expressions genuine and kind.

General Manners

These are those manners that are generally accepted (and expected) by everyone.

It’s those manners that are viewed as rude if not obeyed.

Hold the door for a lady/elder/family.
Walk on the right side of the sidewalk.
Say “please & thank you”.
Apologize when needed.
Practice cleanliness.
Pass things quickly when asked.
Serve others first, then myself.
Smile and have a good attitude.
Say “excuse me.”
Make eye contact.
Share.

For a great table manners resource, read A Quick Guide to Teaching Table Manners to Toddlers

Conversational Manners

If you want to have good manners in conversation, learn to listen… really listen.

Here’s a good rule:

Listen
Respond with a question or remark
Listen some more
Then, add your input

In fact, even if you know you’re listening… you have to show it to others to have conversational manners. If you don’t show it by pushing back you’re comments to hear more from what they are saying, people will see you as rude.

For kids, teach them to hear what the person is saying and say something about their comment before adding new things to the conversation.

Here are some other conversational manners:

Make eye contact
Keep arms uncrossed
Put phone away
Turn body (shoulders/neck) toward the person talking
Smile and nod
Be careful not to interrupt
Stay focused on the person speaking
Make a clear and polite exit from the conversation

The Golden Rule

When it comes down to it, everything can really be summed up in the golden rule.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

If you want to be treated fairly, treat others fairly. Also, if you want to be appreciated, show others that you appreciate them. The tricky part comes when you don’t “feel like” they are behaving right towards you.

Then, that’s when practicing the golden rule really kicks into gear.

Can you be kind when others are rude? Can you be generous when others are stingy?

This does go a bit further than straight up manners… but a person with genuine politeness will always show kindness first and treat others with grace.

Ways to Build & Practice Good Manners

Roll play
Openly praise use of good manners
Model good manners at home
Read books about manners
Point out good/bad manners in public for discussion

How can I practice good manners with my kids consistently at home?

Spend some time defining what you expect from your kids and explaining it to them. Then, choose a time to practice that your family already naturally engages in, like at the dinner table for example. Then, talk about having good manners as it naturally comes up, like when you see someone else showing good (or bad) manners, praising your kids when they use good manners. etc.

Teaching my kids good manners seems daunting. Any tips to make it easier?

Good manners can be taught in small ways that compound over time, just like the saying, “there is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.” Don’t stress out about it and instead focus on teaching your kids as things come up and as you notice specific manners skills that they need training in.

How can I prepare my kids to show manners differently in new places?

It can be as simple as explaining to them that many people in the place you are define respectful behavior differently. Give them examples, short phrases or gestures they can use, and gently remind them to use their manners while you are visiting a new place.

A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied & Mom Sane

Inside: Want to have more freedom during your day this summer without sacrificing the order and predictability a routine brings? Here are some ideas for a summer schedule for kids.

“Aaah, summer – that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It’s a time to hunt for insects, master handstands, practice swimming strokes, conquer trees, explore nooks and crannies, and make new friends.” – D. Hammond

It’s hot here already. Really hot since we’re in Florida. And when it gets hot everything changes for me.

I want to be outside.

I want to go swimming.

I want to plant things, mow things, and hit the beach.

And SO DO THE KIDS!

mother and daughter outside as part of thier summer schedule

Since all my children are still small, there are pros and cons to spontaneity. The obvious pros are they get to do different things, stay up later, get up later, go on vacations, and just enjoy the season.

The cons are they don’t actually function well without routine.

They get fussy after a few days of erratic bedtimes. They start to behave badly and whine more when they don’t know what’s next.

Basically… they thrive on routine.

So in an effort to make the most of summer, loosen the reins, and still maintain the benefits of routine you just have to be a tad more purposeful.

Here are some ways to do that.

A Summer Schedule For Toddlers And Preschoolers

Here are some thoughts on having a chaos-free summer.

1. Find a new rhythm

Go for a week or so and see what changes you’re naturally making. I found we were wanting to swim every day and eat dinner later. So I noticed what we tended to do and began tweaking our routine.

Dinner at 6 instead of 5?

Okay.

Bedtime at 8 instead of 7?

As long as they’re sleeping later too, sounds good!

Instead of putting kids in their rooms for independent play time closer to lunch, you might move it earlier in the morning so you are free until lunch or afternoon.

You don’t have to do what you always did. You can make a new normal for the summer months.

Just give it a week or two and see what you end up doing during the day, then use that to make a more structured routine. If you create a Pie In The Sky routine out of nowhere you won’t likely keep it.
Choose a “okay to come out” morning time. My kids sleep until 7 usually and they are allowed to come out at 7:30 a.m. I use this clock and the older kids (ages 8, 7, and 5) know how to follow it. For my younger ones, many days they sleep until 7:30 and if not, I give them a drink and let them play in their rooms or crib until the desired time.

Read: Mom Morning Routines That Bring Sanity & Order

2. Change sleep times, but don’t sleep less

Kids don’t want to go to sleep in the dark.

I get that.

However, if they start staying up later but still get up at the same time you’re going to have cranky kids on your hands.

If their sleep routine was 7 pm – 7 am and has changed to 8 pm – 8 am, then that’s awesome! But if it’s changed to 9 pm – 6 am and no set naps because you’re out and about… after a few days this will result in over-tiredness.

If your kids can swing it then this may not be an issue, but if your kids are used to consistent naps and bedtimes you’ll want to be sure your routine changes still accommodate adequate sleep.

And get black out curtains.

If you move bedtime back for a week and notice the kids are not sleeping any later in the morning or making it up during naptime, weigh whether their behavior is negatively affected. You’ll know if it’s going to work for everyone.
If the kids are going to bed later and later, yet not sleeping later in the morning, make sure they have the opportunity for a nap. A wind down routine will really help.

Read: Everything You Need To Know About Baby (And Toddler) Sleep

mom with son playing outside during summer

3. Add in daily rituals to your summer schedule

I am a summer girl at heart.

That means I have tons of things lined up in my head and up my sleeve best done in summer months. Days at the park, beach, and pool can become a new norm in your routine.

Or you may be a home body and prefer to stay at home.

Either way, daily rituals make a big difference in your everyday summer schedule.

Make a summer bucket list. Or do what Emily Ley does and keep track of the fun stuff you do on a whiteboard. That way it’s less pressure. Once a week (or however often you like) choose something from the list to do. Don’t make it Too Grand, just add normal fun stuff. (See my list here)
Choose “days of the week” to do certain things. Monday is pool day. Tuesday is park day, etc. This will help set a rhythm to your week.
Do “breakfast invitations” before breakfast to give the kids something to sink their teeth into each morning (see my friend Lauren’s post on this here).
Embrace the season. Take evening walks, eat meals on the patio, or read books outside on a blanket. Choose a normal part of your daily routine and give it a summer spin.

4. Be gradual

My kids embrace summer wholeheartedly, but they also take some time adjusting.

They get physical exercise throughout the winter and spring, but nothing like they do in the summer.

Sun makes us more tired and so does continual exercise so if you’re having a very active or busy summer you may find that a total change in routine takes some adjusting.

Change meal times, bedtimes, or activity times gradually and see how your children react.

Don’t expect to move into a new season or routine without some hiccups. There will be high emotions and adjustment periods.
While it’s tempting to create a full routine – minute by minute – for what you want your days to look like…. this can be a recipe for disappointment. Instead, make a rough idea of what you’d like and see how the first week or two go. Then set things that are already working in stone.

mom and daughter playing outside in summer

5. Don’t drop alone time

If you drop most scheduled things in your day, one thing I’d encourage you to work in is independent play time. This Quiet Time can be valuable.

My kids love having free days and unexpected outings and family time.

Who doesn’t?

But if they miss their alone play for a few days in a row it is obvious in their behavior. They hate sharing, fight more, and get possessive over toys.

By keeping that alone time in their day they behave more settled and actually get along better.

All kids want some time alone when they don’t have to share.

If your child has dropped a nap then rest time counts as alone time. And it doesn’t matter if one’s in your walk-in closet and the other is outside or wherever. It only matters they are alone, they don’t have to share, and it’s relatively quiet!
Rotate the toys, put each child in a separate room in the house, and voila. You may, however, want to change when they have their own play.
You may want to move it to afternoon if they’re physically active in the mornings. You can tweak it to best fit your own family’s schedule.

6. Space it out

If you’re got exciting days and weeks ahead with fun things planned for your kids, try to space out the tiring days.

Elementary aged children and up may be fine, but toddlers and preschoolers won’t cope well with multiple days in a row of out-of-the-ordinary excitement.

Four late bedtimes in a row.

Three days of no naps.

Two days of all day outside.

It sounds fun, but the effects will accumulate until you have unhappy campers. It doesn’t mean don’t do fun things, but to consider your kids when you plan big events.

Read: How To Dress Newborns Safely (Day & Night)

Our Normal Summer Schedule (For Toddlers, Preschoolers, & Elementary Aged Kids)

You’ll notice this is NOT a super detailed routine. In the summer I am notorious for spending much of our mornings outside or swimming so I am not doing a minute by minute routine.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t!

7:30 a.m. – Kids stay in room until this time, breakfast is out. Kids who can make their own breakfast do. Teach kids to follow their own routine here.

8:00 a.m. – This is a big free time block. The kids do chores (using chore cards and/or a commission system I got from Dave Ramsey’s book). There is outdoor play, we go to the park, go swimming, go to the beach, or run errands.

10:30 a.m. – Snack. If we’re home, I usually provide some type of snack (often a bit substantial) to keep the kids from being under my feet begging for food all morning.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch. I aim for a noon lunch when possible. Always have, always will.

1:00 p.m. – My kids who have grown out of naps have independent play during this time. Those still napping take naps. Some of my older ones end up napping as well.

3:00 p.m. – Snack. If we’re out I don’t stress about giving snacks nor do I pack them. But if we’re home, I do.

5:30 p.m. – We usually eat between 5:30 and 6. This is an old habit from when the kids were all very very young and it made it easier for bedtime. Often in the summer it’ll move back slightly, but never too late.

6:15 p.m. – Bedtime routine. This will be some version of bath, books, and bed.

7:30 ish to 8 p.m. – Bed

Have an Awesome Summer…

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”

—Jenny Han

How can I keep my kids engaged and entertained without relying on screens all day?

It helps to develop daily routines and weekly rhythms so that everyday doesn’t feel like a free for all. Having planned activities or outings throughout the week creates a sense of anticipation and breaks up the days. Daily routines such as chores, independent play time (without screens!), and time outside will help the days have shape and meaning with a sense of purpose, so you aren’t only entertaining the kids.

How can I maintain a healthy balance between structure and spontaneity?

Routines give kids the structure that they crave, so creating a summer routine that works for your family is the starting point. In the routine, you can add in empty blocks set aside for spontaneous activities. Remember, no schedule has to be absolute — our kids are only with us for a few summers of their whole lives. If you want to do something fun and spontaneous, do it! I’m simply making the case that when all day every day becomes spontaneous, kids don’t usually thrive in that environment.

What are some creative ways to encourage my child’s interests during the summer?

If they’re old enough, have conversations with them about what they want summer to look like and follow their interests when you’re planning activities. Plan outings related to your child’s interests. Visit museums, zoos, gardens, science centers, or places that align with what they love. Look for local workshops or classes that focus on your child’s interests, whether it’s art, music, coding, sports, or anything else. Focus on connection and getting into their worlds — learn things together, do DIY projects together, and use this time to let them express their creativity and passions.

What should I do if my child resists the summer routine I’ve created?

If they are young, assess the routine to make sure their sleep and feeding needs are being met and adjust the routine accordingly. If they are older, start by listening to your child’s concerns and feelings. Offer choices and involve them in planning when you can and give them time to adjust to a new normal.

Should we keep the routine when we go on vacation?

I always try to keep nap times and bedtimes consistent when my kids are small, even on vacation, because overtired kids make vacations stressful for everyone. But as for the rest of the routines, if your kids are behaving without keeping things like independent play time, then it’s totally okay to not follow the routine and enjoy your vacation!

Sources:

Avoid Summer Screen Time Battles In 4 Steps (Printable Included!)

You can avoid screen time battles by creating and using your own summer screen time rules. Printable included in post!

Summertime can get hairy.

Just today, for example.

There I am, innocently eating a salad, and I look out the kitchen window just in time to see my boys fully naked playing in a mud hole. This is life in the country when you have no neighbors and a lot of boys.

They showered in the outdoor shower and we went about our business.

But the struggle is real…

girl looking at a screen outside during summer

When you’ve got all the kids home for the summer and it’s blazing hot outside…

It is So Tempting to resort to more screen time than we’d like.

I decided that having some type of plan about how we’ll do screen time this summer would help prevent the inevitable backlash that comes with too much screen freedom.

Irritable and impatient attitudes
More difficulty napping and sleeping (due to over stimulation and less exercise)
More acting out after cartoons (refer to my friend’s post on schemas)
Less imagination and creative play

There are more, but you get the picture.

Read: A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied & Mom Sane

Create A Summer Routine (With Screen Time Rules) That Avoids Power Battles

If you, like me, don’t have a total screen-free home, it’s a great idea to set up some routines and ground rules at the beginning of summer before things get dicey.

Codes & Controls… STAT

If you haven’t already put controls and codes on your devices, please read about the dangers of the World Wide Web and then get on it, mama!

The best way for you to control screen time is to control access to devices.

girl in yellow sitting on her bed and playing on an iPad

Have a rule: No screens turn on without your okay.
Passcode or pattern: Create a passcode for the devices and don’t give it out unless your child is old enough to understand the rules and has the self-control to follow them. For those younger kids… just don’t give them the code. This will cut down significantly on battles.
Control location: My Montessori friend sometimes stores her kids’ iPads in a kitchen drawer until she’s ready to bring them out. If you know there are certain times your kids cannot get on devices, keep them out of sight.
Collect at the end of the day: Adults aren’t even able to control their own screen time very well, much less kids. If you want to help your child build their own self-control, then set them up for success. Collect any and all devices at a certain time each evening.
Get filters: There are a lot of ways to go about this, but you can cut to the chase and get something like Circle With Disney which affects every live device within range of your router.

While we do watch TV, we don’t have iPads or any form of table in our home.

This started because we were cheap, then we just didn’t ever buy one. If you feel yours are causing more trouble than they’re worth, retire them for a week and see what happens.

Read: A Guide to Parental Controls By Device and The Quick List of 7 Top Parental Control Apps in 2023

child sitting on a couch and looking at a screen

Chores Come First, Play Comes After During Summer

One of the best things you can do to avoid summer screen time battles, pouting, and resistance is to order things correctly.

Instead of letting the kids have screen time then turning it off so everyone starts flailing and you’re yelling, “Let’s do chores with music, it’ll be fun!” it’s much easier to simply model work first, play later.

It doesn’t matter so much what time of day this happens, just that you don’t put chores after something they never want to stop.
Get some chore cards or a chore list and use them to help kids learn to work independently and learn cleaning and tidying skills.
Choose a time of day or day of the week and attempt consistency. Once it works it’ll be easy to keep the routine up.

Read: 101+ Chore Cards To Help Kids Do Chores Independently

Choose Screen Time Of Day Wisely

I am a big fan of screen time around the 4:00 o’clock hour while I’m trying to cook.

The time you choose is up to you!

For your summer screen time rules, you want to choose a time that works WITH your family life, not against it.

Instead of letting the kids choose the time of day, be pro-active. If you find it difficult to cook with kids under your feet, use screen time while you’re cooking.

If you like having an hour to read and prepare for the day in the morning, allow screen time in the morning.

Avoid screen time right before naps or bedtimes as it prevents proper wind-down.
By choosing a time that works for you, screen time serves two purposes (entertaining them and freeing you up).
As mentioned earlier, have screen time after they’ve done some type of chores or tidying, etc. Work happens much faster that way, try it out and see!

Read: Avoid Parenting Battles the “South African” Way

sister laying down on a rug and watching tv

Teach Routine Independence Even During The Summer Months

Any post of mine would be remiss without mentioning one of my favorite things… routines.

Having simple morning and evening routines give children touchstones throughout the day. More gets done, the home stays in better order, and you don’t have to give instructions constantly because the kids already know what needs to be done.

Include screen time in your routine.

For small children you can be the Holder of the Routine.
Kids young as toddlers can learn to use the routine cards and preschoolers and early elementary kids (pre-readers) can learn to follow their own routine independently. (Here’s my post on how my kindergarteners got themselves fully ready from waking up to walking out the door)
Use pictures, words, or even simple morning or evening routines for yourself.
Position screen time after other tasks that help build responsibility and character.

Read: 40+ Printable Daily Routine Cards for Kids!

How much screen time is appropriate for my child?

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has provided general guidelines but you can decide for your kids how much screen time they will have based on your family’s unique needs and how your child responds to screen time. In my experience, less screens are always better.

How can I address resistance or arguments about screen time limits with my child?

Create routines for your day so that your kids know what to expect and when they can be on screens. If you limit your screen time allowance to only one part of the day (like during dinner prep) then your kids will begin to argue less about screens outside of that time frame as you stick to your routine.

How can I encourage my child to engage in other activities besides screen time?

Taking away screens as an option will naturally encourage your kids to find other ways to have fun throughout the day. If kids think their screens are an option all day, they are likely the option they will choose, so limiting screen time to one time block in the day helps them to find other activities to do.

Summer Camp Homeschool Ideas: Fun For The Whole Family

Inside: These summer camp theme ideas will work for your own kids. Whether you are planning fun activities in the summer, for homeschooling, or for a more organized church or youth camp, these ideas will work.

Two weeks ago we had the busiest week ever. Within a 7-day period the kids had Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and then 5 days of swimming lessons… during naptime.

So needless to say the kids were fussy, exhausted, and had gotten a tad out of control.

While I have been relaxing our routine for summer, I also needed to do a bit of tomato staking with the kids.

So in order to have a calm week that was completely home-centered, and also to give the kids a bit more structure to encourage better behavior, I decided we’d have a Family Summer Fun Week.

Read: 24 Things to Do With Your Kids Before Summer’s Over

Don't want to send the kids away for a week to camp? Have one at home instead! Great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Basically, I created a theme for each day of the week and thought of no-prep, no-purchase-necessary activities that corresponded with the day.

We probably spent two hours in the morning doing these activities (my husband included) and that was that.

I didn’t want to raise my expectations too high because I didn’t want to get irritated if they weren’t into the activities. (See: anger triggers for moms, ha)

Read: Avoid Summer Screen Time Battles In 4 Steps (Printable Included!)

Here are 5 basic (at home) summer camp theme ideas and easy no-prep actvities

nature day - summer camp theme ideas with little kids walking in nature

Nature Themes For Summer Camp

Put on backpacks, explorer gear (these are cool), get some walking sticks, and go for a walk. Our yard is full of nature, but if not, go to a park!
Put sticks, stones, pine straw, flowers, or whatever else they find in the backpack to store.
Create some art with paper, glue, and what they picked up.
Watch some nature videos if you have screen time. We liked this one.
Use basic craft supplies to draw pictures of trees, flowers, the sky, clouds, etc.
Make mud pies outside with dirt and, if you’re really keen, make a mud pie to eat. 🙂

Here are some easy to put together ideas for your nature day.

Read: How To Dress A Newborn Safely In Summer (Day & Night)

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Read: A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied & Mom Sane

Animal Themes For Summer Camp

Do animal walks around the house. My kids loved this and we used this post as inspiration.
Do a stuffed animal scavenger hunt by hiding stuffed animals around the house and looking for them. You can even use toilet paper rolls to make binoculars. Easy peasy.
Draw animals with a Sharpie and have your kids color them in.
Gather your books about animals and have a special reading time.
Practice animal sounds really loudly outside.
Watch some short videos about nature, we loved this one.

Here are some activities and crafts that will bring your summer camp animal theme to life for the little ones.

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Read: A Summer Garden: Our Contribution to Earth Month

Water Theme Activities

Go for a swim in the pool, lake, beach, or even a kiddie pool.
Make and throw water balloons.
Teach children about the properties of water. We “made” ice and the kids still talk about it.
Play in the sprinklers or water hose.
Take a glow in the dark bath.
Flavor water with lemon juice, lime juice, mint leaves, or a drop or two of essential oils and put it in a fancy cup for a tea party.

The above are easy to do activities. Supplement those in your summer camp with these water themed crafts or table activities your kids will love.

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Building Day

Make a tower with blocks.
Build with LEGO.
Do some woodworking. My husband took my kids to help build wall art for my son’s room.
Build a fire and roast marshmallows.
Build with popsicle sticks (some good ideas here).
My daughter likes to build and create with pipe cleaners.
Build a race track for cars with masking tape along your carpet.

Kids L-O-V-E to build and construct things with their hands. Whether small things like blocks or LEGO to larger things like forts outside. Here are some great hands on building activities for kids you will love putting in your themed days or weeks for summer camp.

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Art Day

Paint faces. We were given this face paint a while back from Kiss Naturals. It’s all-natural, easy to use, and we got patriotic since it was the week of the 4th!
Use clothespins or thumb tacks to attach poster boards, butcher paper, or any type of paper to a wall or fence and let kids paint standing up.
Practice all the colors of the rainbow.
Color in coloring books.
Watch videos about art with the kids to get them inspired. Here’s a good art channel.

Art means so many things and you can take a lot of creative license with these activities.

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What are some tips for managing the logistics of summer camp?

It depends if you are using these ideas for an at-home camp with your kids or a larger camp. You can make it short and simple by just choosing a few activities to do each day or you can go all out by making the whole day filled with the themed activities. Your kids’ ages and your time limits will determine how you manage the logistics.

How do we handle sibling conflicts during the week?

Sibling conflicts a can put a damper on family fun days. These resources can help you manage sibling conflicts and this blog is all about cultivating sibling bonds.

5 Must-Have Daily Summer Routines For Little Kids

These mini daily summer routines are must-haves for families who want a peaceful and fun-filled summer for their little kids.

Summer is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re about to have your kids at home all day long.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or juggling work and family life, the upcoming changes in schedules can for sure mow you over if you’re not prepared.

Believe you me, you don’t want to let the summer season sneak up on you only to find yourself feeling stressed and wishing for it to be over.

After all, our kids only have a limited number of summers before they grow up, fly away, and are no longer wanting to run around in the sprinklers in our yard.

5 daily summer routines

Since we don’t avoid our problems around here: let’s tackle this head-on and make sure we create an amazing summer for our families.

Let’s dive straight into creating a summer filled with all the necessary things as well as some fun ones.

Chore routines

When it comes to planning your daily summer routines, one of the first things to consider is establishing chore routines for your kids.

With more free time at home there will be more messes to clean up.

And let me give you a massive pro tip (as a mama of 5 and parent coach): starting chore routines early on helps to avoid resistance later.

If you wait too long to involve your kids in chores, they may start refusing or developing a negative attitude toward them. So, it’s crucial to get your kids involved in helping out around the house from a young age.

Read These While You’re At It

Big List of Chores 2 & 3 Year-Olds Can Do On Their Own

Chore Barriers… These 6 Things Make Kids Resist Chores Daily Chores for Kids that Help Prepare Them for Life

How Moms Can Work Themselves Out of Their Chores (a Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Raise Cleaning Machines: An Epic Household Chore List

Summer Morning Routines To Stop Fighting, Messes, & Boredom

Consider strategically WHEN to do chores in the summer

You can choose to have your kids do chores in the morning, afternoon, or even have touchpoints throughout the day when they take care of their responsibilities. AKA: before lunch they need to clean up the play area.

The key is to think about what works best for your family and make a plan accordingly.

Creating at least a semi-structured chore routine not only helps you avoid a completely chaotic home during the summer, but it also teaches your children life skills and responsibility.

Self-care routines

When it comes to planning your daily summer routines, it’s not just about the kids and their activities—it’s essential to carve out some time for yourself too.

That’s why the second thing to plan is your very own self-care routine.

In my summer rhythms workshop (linked above), I talk about a concept called the “not to-do list.” It’s all about giving yourself permission to do things a little differently during the summer months. You can lower your standards in certain areas, ditch certain commitments, or say no to things that can wait.

This will give you more space to relax and take care of yourself.

When the kids are home more often:

the noise levels go up
messes multiply
the kitchen is in constant motion with cooking, cleaning, snacks, and everything in between.

It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re someone who craves a little peace and quiet. Whether you’re a highly sensitive person, an introvert, or even if you were an only child used to your own space (me! me!), the added noise levels, busyness, and pressure can drive you Past The Point.

So, it’s crucial to plan ahead and figure out how you’re going to find moments of calm and relaxation.

Read These While You’re At It

Avoiding Summer Stress: 5 Mistakes Moms Make & How To Fix ‘Em

How Should Kids Fill Summer Days?

How Do I Put My Child On A Summer Routine?

How Can I Make Summer Fun At Home?

What Do You Do On A Boring Summer Day?

How To Adapt & Tweak Routines To Fit The Season

Consider creating your own SOS situation plan.

Think about the things that bring you peace and make you feel centered.
Maybe it’s taking a solo walk in the early morning (if you do a 5am morning routine)
Reading a good book during naptime (book lists here)
Having a designated “quiet corner” where you can retreat to when things get a little crazy or an “escape time”

Having a little plan in place, even if it’s as simple as knowing what helps you unwind, can make a huge difference in your well-being.

Fun routines (aka summer bucket list items)

It’s time to think about all the things you want to do and see during this summer season. How you approach this bucket list is entirely up to you and your personality. Maybe you’re the type who loves a long list with little checkboxes to mark off each day or week.

Or if you’re not a long-list type of gal, a short list of about 10 main things that are the most important to you as a family.

Classic summertime activities like:

ice cream
watching fireworks on the Fourth of July
playing in sprinklers
going to the lake/beach/river
slip and slide
splash pad
vacation
grilling out
camping

Summer days can feel never-ending, especially when the sun sets later and the kids start getting bored.

And here’s a bonus tip: having a well-planned bucket list helps you steer clear of the dreaded screen slide into oblivion.

You know what I mean—the endless hours of mindless scrolling or binge-watching shows that can quickly consume summer days.

So, when everyone starts getting squirrely and tensions rise, you can turn to your bucket list and say, “Alright, my darling offspring, what adventure shall we do today?” Or, as I like to call them, children of my womb.

It’s like your secret weapon against boredom and restlessness.

Read These While You’re At It

Avoid Summer Screen Time Battles In 4 Steps (Printable Included!)

Easy No Fuss Screen-Free Activities For Kids At Home

Non-Tech Toys that Kids’ll Use for Years

Special projects, plans, or life skills to learn

Now, let’s dive into planning those exciting projects and special plans for the summer. When I sat down to plan my weeks I realized, we are gone a lot.

If there are some things I really want done, I need to plan them in.

Summer is the perfect time to focus on building life skills and learning because the kids are home more and have that extra time on their hands.

outdoor projects
life skills (swimming, mowing, weed pulling, etc.)
visits to friends or family
appointments

Anything you want done, that isn’t a bucket list item but is more of a Need To Do Thing, you need to slot it in so you don’t get to the end of summer (which will fly by) and it goes undone.

Screen time summer routines

Screen time rules are crucial to plan, both for us moms and our kids. We need to know what we’re okay with BEFORE it comes up.

We all know how easy it is to get sucked into endless scrolling or binge-watching even though we KNOW that leaves us feeling empty and dissatisfied.

So, while going completely screen-free might not be realistic, it’s important to set boundaries.

Make screen time a privilege earned after completing chores, reading, outside play, exercise, etc. Let screen time be earned, not given when they are acting naughty just to get them to be quiet.

Summer brings more free time and less structured plans which means the temptation for Too Much screen time increases. It’s up to us to determine what’s an appropriate amount of screen time and ensure it doesn’t hijack our little ones’s development.

How can I set realistic expectations for my child’s summer routine while also allowing for flexibility and spontaneity?

It can be helpful to have routines of things that you do daily (like daily chores, rest time, etc.), weekly (one trip a week to the zoo, aquarium, etc.), and monthly (a bigger trip, project, or bucket list item). Then your days will be structured with some flexible time and rhythms to allow for spontaneity.

How can I incorporate outdoor activities into my child’s routine to promote physical activity and exposure to nature, which can benefit their mental health?

Determine how much outside time you want your kids to have each day or week and how you want them to spend their time outside so that you can plan accordingly. Visiting parks, swimming, going on walks, and playing in the yard are a few ways to add outdoor activities into your routine and some require more planning than others. Start with your ideals and create your family’s outdoor routines around them!

The Difference Between Playing and Being Entertained

Inside: There’s a place for both being entertained and learning to play independently. Learn the difference and how to make sure your kids are independent in play.

There’s a time and place for both playing and entertaining, but it’s important we consider the benefits of both so we can have them in proper balance in our homes.

The difference between being entertained and playing

I took a walk the other day with my daughter. I was trying to get my steps up somewhere at least near 7,000 for the days (since I got a Fitbit to avoid Blogger Booty) and she was just trying… well… to play.

We picked flowers for my grandmother, threw sticks in the pond, talked about nature, and exercised a little.

And along the way, we played.

It got me thinking about how much my kids play. How often they play. Where they play and what they like to do when they are playing.

And I suddenly felt so glad they are used to playing together most of the day. Even when the squeals and screams threaten my sanity. I’m so glad their go to source of fun is playing together, not being entertained by myself or a screen.

Read: Why Kids Should Have Independent Play Times Daily

Psychology today says play is:

Play is self-chosen and self-directed,
Play is activity in which means are more valued than ends,
Play has structure, or rules, which are not dictated by physical necessity but emanate from the minds of the players,
Play is imaginative, non-literal, mentally removed in some way from “real” or “serious” life, and
Play involves an active, alert, but non-stressed frame of mind. (source)

For this post, being entertained is:

Watching television or movies,
Playing on the tablet (some games are both play and entertainment),
When the mom or carer is the central figure in the play,
Participating in crafts or activities with specific end goals, and
Having a day completely structured by the carer with no time for free play.

Read: Age Appropriate Toys For Independent Play

Boundaries & Behavior

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Tech on Your Terms

The “Tech on Your Terms” workshop helps parents create a step-by-step technology introduction plan that aligns with their family values, is age-appropriate, and gradually increases their children’s tech access while maintaining parental boundaries.

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Why Play Should Be Prioritized Over Being Entertained

There’s obviously a place for entertainment in life and in the home, but I’m going to build a case on why I think that entertainment should fall further down the list than play.

Keep reading, for the times and situations in which both are appropriate and beneficial.

Read: 45+ Easy Outdoor Games And Activities For Kids Your Family Will Love

1. Play is active, not passive.

Play is an active state. When kids play they think, move, act, sing, talk, jump, run, and interact. Even if they are playing alone they are actively and presently engaging in their game.

During playtime, play is what’s happening. They are learning, building their decision-making skills, learning about cause and effect, and activating their imagination.

A new and ever growing body of research is showing that ways in which we use our brain while young sort of “solidify” as we get older. Meaning, the brain remembers the most used pathways, and those become the “default.”

In these early years, it’s imperative we let our kids play. We give them opportunities to actively engage their minds, not just passively. Of course there’s a place for being entertained, but the amount of entertainment received shouldn’t be comparable to the amount of play they enter in.

Read: Outdoor Tips To Get (And Keep) Kids Outside

2. Play builds skill by experience.

I love letting my kids go out and play alone (in the fenced in area of our yard we called the “play pen”) and they learn many things. They learn that shoveling dirt onto other’s heads is all fun and games until someone shovels dirt on your head.

The other morning the older three kids were outside playing and my husband and I saw them. They were standing inside this massive tractor tire, holding hands, and walking around in circles singing “ring around the rosies.”

When they finished, instead of falling, they’d climb up on the tire and walk around it balancing.

While playing kids may learn to build things, balance, practice their problem-solving (like when my daughter pops Barbie’s leg out of socket which occurs, in my opinion, because you cannot have legs that long in hips that narrow) they think of new alternatives when Plan A is foiled.

They will build their fine and gross motor skills, absorb information by reading, build their interpersonal and relational skills, learn to handle disappointment, and many other things. People remember situations they’ve lived through personally.

Entertainment may seek to teach these lessons, but if a child does not have ample time to put these concepts into practice, the lessons learned won’t stick. This is, ahem, why math homework exists.

There are certain activities teachers or parents may do with kids that do teach skills and have an end goal in mind, and these are great! But I recently read in this book (and tend to agree) that a parent’s job is to give kids the opportunity and materials to learn, and then let them go.

Read: The Reason Some Kids Are Sore Losers – And What To Do

3. Play is fun, but not addictive.

There’s also an increasing body of literature suggesting that screen time (just one form of entertainment) is not only a hindrance to proper development, but it’s also addictive.

When you turn off the TV, do your kids fight it? Is their first instinct always to reach for the tablet or turn on the TV? If so, why not add in more time for free play in their day and let the screen time be an extra. I’ve personally found my kids whine a lot more when they watch TV.

Read: Avoid Screen Time Battles in 4 Steps (Printable Included)

4. Play helps kids think for themselves.

Kids who never learn to play on their own or entertain themselves will always be beholden to a source of entertainment.

Trust, this is not good.

If they make friends who are ready and willing to guide them into some fun activity, they may go along with it. Kids who aren’t confident in their own ability to be “okay” with themselves will always need the attention of others, and I don’t think any of us want that.

Play, on the other hand, activates the imagination and thinking of kids. I believe we all really want our kids to think for themselves. To at least pause before acting, and let their consciences and minds have a chance to send up warning flags or bells.

The more a child is used to making decisions, and dealing with the repercussions of their decisions, the more mature they’ll be.

Connection & Culture

13-18, 6-12

No-Drama Screen Wean

Cutting back on screens shouldn’t feel like a battle royale. This workshop gives you a simple, realistic plan to wean your kids off devices—without meltdowns, whining, or “I’m bored” on repeat. Because screen time limits should feel doable, not dreadful.

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All that said….

There is still a place for both entertainment and play in the lives of children. There aren’t ballets, operas, broadway shows, movies, and albums for nothing.

People do enjoy being entertained, and it can truly be a relaxing refuge at the end of a busy day.

So, again, I’m not advocating an entertainment-free lifestyle, but simply a balanced view for our children’s day to day lives in view of the fact that they’ll always be entertainment, but they get out of childhood without enough play.

Encourage play:

When they are “bored.”
Choose a time during each day for free play.
Institute independent play in their routine (here’s how to start teaching kids to play on their own).
Move away from becoming the idea fountain for your kids.
Provide materials for imaginary play such as Lincoln Logs, LEGO, dress up clothes (go to thrift stores or raid your attic), stuffed animals, dolls, play kitchens, buckets, shovels, etc. The list is endless.
Let screen time or entertainment come after chores and play.
Provide new environments for play such as another siblings room, backyard, front yard, park, etc.

Provide entertainment:

After kids have played.
When they are ill and you need a way to keep them in bed resting.
On car trips after they’ve become restless and cranky.
As a reward for good behavior.
When you want to teach a certain skill in a detailed manner.
If you have company over and need assurance of some Quiet Time.
Choose movies or shows that have a lesson and then use that to discuss afterwards, this will tie entertainment into learning.
At a chaotic point in the day like when it’s time for you to cook dinner.

How can I play with my child without taking over?

Let them take the lead when you’re playing (unless it’s a structured activity like a craft with an end goal in mind) and actively engage with them and allow them to have freedom to explore and change the direction of the play when they want to.

How can I encourage my child to play more and rely less on being entertained by screens or devices?

Start with limiting screen time to a specific part of the day with a defined ending point. Then, start doing independent play time regularly and encourage your kids to use their imaginations. They will enjoy playing more when they can find fun things to do – check out this blog post about screen free activities your kids will love!

What are some ways to make playtime more engaging and interactive for my child?

Let them take the lead of their play and they will use their interests and imaginations to guide them. This is the goal of our kids playing and it is extremely engaging for them. Some ways you can encourage your kids to do this includes rotating toys, modeling playing and using your imagination, using open-ended toys, and letting them choose what they play with and where.

Sources:

How to Encourage Toddlers and Preschoolers To Use Their Imagination

Children love imaginative play, here’s how you can help encourage your toddlers and preschoolers to use their imagination daily.

I’m a big fan of encouraging my children to use their imagination and play independently.

When kids play pretend they fully engage in play in a way that has endless benefits.

There’s a difference between being entertained and playing, and encouraging imagination and pretend play helps children learn to use all parts of their brain and actively engage in life.

This is far preferable than too much screen time.

preschooler playing pretend with her doll using her imagination

How to encourage your children to play pretend

All children will naturally come into this stage of development – when they realize that play does not have to be reality – but some kids need a push.

Especially those kids who are not skilled at playing on their own yet.

Teach your toddlers how to use their imagination – show them how

Children learn to start playing pretend somewhere around the age of 2 to 3.

With my oldest, and no siblings to show her how, we had to gently encourage and invite her to play.

We’d set up a tea party in her room and show her that you could drink a cup, even if it didn’t have any drink in it. Or you could eat the fake plastic cupcake though it wasn’t the real thing.

She gave us a weird look for a while, but eventually got the hang of it and now, she is the most amazing pretender I’ve ever seen.

Give your kids toys that encourage their imagination

Just as often as not, some of my kids will come to lunch in a costume of some sort. After Halloween, buy costumes half off and stock up.

Children are very imagination and props might help them get there quicker.

But props also come by way of things you already have at home. Toilet paper rolls can be props for an obstacle course. A standard baby item a prop for “mommy daddy, and baby” game.

A swaddling blanket as a cape. A vacuum part as a sword. Pipe cleaners for a crown. Newspapers for a scroll. Blocks to make a plane.

Encourage your kids to think outside the box and soon it’ll become second nature.

Boundaries & Behavior

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Tech on Your Terms

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Help your kids set the scene for play

While it’s all fun and well to help them come up with props for their favorite game, why not create a scene? This is why forts are so amazing. Build a fort, make a pallet, build a sandcastle, or a real “castle tower” with mega blocks.

My kids will play hide and go seek and the seeker is a lion. The others will run from room to room and closet pretending they are about to be devoured.

This is not a quiet game.

If they like to play trucks, gather all the trucks into one area and create some easy ramps with books or boards.

If your daughter is playing princess, bring out stuffed animals, tea sets, tables, or whatever else she uses in her games. By helping them create an entire scene in their room or the living room, the game is much richer and more exciting.

Read: Quiet time (Rest time) for Toddlers: All You Need to Know

Read These While You’re At It

5 Problems That Are Solved By Rotating Toys

How To Teach Your Children To Play On Their Own

Teaching Toddler Focusing Skills In The Little Moments

Why Kids Need Independent Play Time Daily — And How To Start

Play silly and cheesy games with your kids

This takes some getting used to. We aren’t all naturally gifted players. My husband has always found it easy to lay on the ground and get in the game.

It’s taken me a bit more practice, but it is truly one of the most exciting things to do. Not only is a great way to connect with your child individually, it helps you practice being a present parent.

You don’t have to join in the game for 3 hours, but the kids are likely to give you a recurring cameo. Do you find it hard to play with your kids? It’s easier when you jump in and make up a game with them.

Connection & Culture

13-18, 6-12

Rooted in Family

Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.

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You can be part of their scenario or let them give you a role.

Give your kids a chance to play on their own.

Help them set the scene.

Let their imagination take hold.

What types of toys or activities promote imaginative play?

Open-ended toys that can be played with multiple ways encourage kids to use their imaginations because they can create new ideas and scenarios with the same toys over and over again. Dolls and action figures, dress up costumes, play kitchen and food sets, building blocks, puppets, and art supplies are a few favorites that we always come back to.

How can I support my child’s imaginative play while balancing screen time?

Creating boundaries around screen time is the best way to make time for imaginative play. If your child always has the option for screen time, they are not very likely to choose imaginative play instead. So, choose a block of time each day that is dedicated to imaginative play (like after dinner or while dinner is being made) and model it for your kids – they will learn to love it!

Should I provide structured activities or let my child’s imagination guide the play?

This will depend on your child’s personality and how comfortable they are using their imagination. If they are new to imaginative play, you might “set the scene” by getting out a tea party set, stuffed animals, and costumes and let their imagination take their play from there. Our goal is for our kids to take the lead in their play but you can help them if needed.

Sources:

How To Teach Your Children To Play On Their Own

A few tips on how to teach your children to play by themselves.

“A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.” Benjamin Spock, M.D.

One of the best gifts you can give your child is the ability to play on their own. Not only will day to day life with them be easier (both for your children and yourself), but they will learn so much more!

Problem-solving and decision-making skills are stalled when there’s always someone to think for them. Imagination and creativity aren’t relied on when games are always made up by someone else!

By now you probably know why it’s important that children play on their own every day, but if you’re like the many mothers who’ve commented or emailed me, you don’t know where to start.

If your kids aren’t used to playing on their own then there will be some adjustment and resistance, but take heart.

Read: Why Kids Need Independent Play Time Daily

child playing with play doh and a teal shirt, teaching the child to play on their own

Tips To Get Started With Independent Play Time

My kids have had independent play times for as long as they can remember and – most days – they love them. Read the pros of independent play here. So, here’s how you can help your kids learn and enjoy playing on their own.

Know The Why

It may take a while for your child to stop fussing or crying when it’s time for them to play on their own, so be sure you know the why’s.

Not only is it good for kids to have time alone away from their siblings and others to relax, play time alone also builds self-confidence. They use their imagination, learn cause and effect, and have to problem solve on their own.

Plus, it helps prevent raising children who are easily bored and need others to make decisions for them. That really isn’t so bad when they are small, but as they grow older it can turn into a bad thing.

Read: Use These 7 Phrases To Encourage Independence

Connection & Culture

13-18, 6-12

No-Drama Screen Wean

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wooden toys with a duckie, a great way to teach your kids to play on their own

Start Early And Go Slow

I’ve started mine doing independent play from before they could play ;). Infant seats, pack-n-plays, and cribs are great places for babies and pre-toddlers to learn to play with their toys.

However, no matter how old your child is, it’s a great time to start!

If they are not used to having to play on their own you’ll want to go slow. 5 minutes might be all they can handle, and even that they might fuss the entire time. Put them wherever you’ve decided play time should be (see #3) and assure them you’ll return.

Close the door or pull it to, and then wait outside. If they cry, let them know you are right there and try again. Expect some resistance at first because no one likes change.

However, if they get past the initial hurdle they will usually launch right into play.

Read: 8 Useful Ways To Use The Pack & Play

Location, Location, Location

The location is not important as long as there’s something for the child to do and some type of boundary in place.

It’s not really independent play if they roam around the house and you have to follow them to be sure they aren’t getting into trouble.

I usually put my kids in their own rooms (none of them currently share) to play. They enjoy this and have their own toys ready for them.

Read: Life Skills For Kids By Age (With Printables!)

However, if it’s a nice day or one would like to play outside then that’s fine too!

Rotating the setting can help children cooperate willingly if they aren’t used to playing on their own initially.

Always be within supervision distance, of course, but stay out of sight. They won’t do anything but stare at you and whine if they can see you.

Motherhood & Wellbeing

If Mama Ain’t Happy: Boundaries For Moms

Boundaries aren’t harsh or selfish. They protect your energy, peace, and sanity so you can show up as the mom you want to be. This workshop helps you figure out where you need them, set them with confidence, and stick to them without guilt or burnout. Because when you hold your limits, everyone benefits.

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Entice Independent Play If Necessary

Our children have independent play in the morning, and one way I get them to willingly go to their rooms is by offering a snack. I’ll choose a non-messy snack that is in no way a choking hazard, and will take them to their rooms.

They’ll bring their cup or little bag of gummies and water and pop right into their rooms to play. It’s part of our daily routine so there is usually little resistance because – well – resistance is futile.

Mwahaha!

If you are beginning independent play it might be a good idea to get a few new toys so that there is something special to begin this process.

Read These While You’re At It

A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied & Mom Sane

Avoid Summer Screen Time Battles In 4 Steps (Printable Included!)

5 Problems That Are Solved By Rotating Toys

Easy No Fuss Screen-Free Activities For Kids At Home

Baby in cloth diaper playing with wooden toys on rugs, helping kids learn to play on their own

Change up the scene and your toys

Some days when fussiness has dominated the morning and I fear that they’ll fight going to independent play (it isn’t often, but it definitely happens) I’ll let the kids switch rooms.

It’s a different setting, different toys, and new things to do so that almost always gets them excited.

Also, you can separate your toys into separate areas of the house, and save some toys they are only able to play with during alone play time. This will help keep it fresh and exciting.

Read: 5 Problems That Are Solved By Rotating Toys

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Family Tidy Routines

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Preschooler playing with teddy bears on his own

Be consistent with independent play and give it time

Independent play time is something that works best with consistency.

Sure you don’t have to do it every day, but I really believe both you and the kids will love doing it every day once you get in the swing of it.

Choose a time that works best and try to have play time during that time each day so the kids know what to expect.

Knowing what to expect is a huge thing for children, and they are much more likely to participate without a fight if they see it coming.

Start with 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and then work up to 30 minutes or an hour as the child is able to do so and enjoys it.

Mine play around 45 minutes to an hour each day. I will walk from room to room and hear one making truck noises, one talking to her dolls, the other singing a song or talking to some stuffed animals.

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Jamison

How can I create a conducive environment for independent play?

Establish a play area that is safe for them and that is separated from other people and kids. Include a variety of toys, like building toys, stuffed animals or dolls, imaginative toys, books, etc. Rotating toys so they are a little bit different each week will also help your kids have more interest in playing.

How can I support my child’s interests and creativity during solo play?

Let them play with toys that interest them and are open-ended. Toys like blocks, dolls, art supplies, dress-up clothes, and pretend play props encourage your child to use their imagination as they play. As your children get older, let them choose the toys they want to play with during their independent play time so that they are able to follow their interests.

What should I do if my child has trouble playing alone?

Start with short increments of time for independent play, give them highly engaging toys, and make it part of their routine. The more they play by themselves the more they will want to and expect it.

Sources:

Outdoor Play Tips To Get (And Keep) The Kids Outside!

Inside: Want your kids to be outside this summer? Here are some ways to make awesome memories outside with your toddler this summer.

I am a big fan of the Great Outdoors.

When I was little – as an only child – my mom would shoo me outside to play. Let’s say… that’s when my imagination was birthed and I am never a bored adult.

Initially kids may be resistant to outdoor play (especially if they’re screen dependent), but they will get into the swing of it.

A girl is playing outside in the summer. Here are tips for

Being outside is good for so many things and there are numerous books coming out in recent years stating the benefits of nature for children.

Read: Last Child In The Woods or Balanced And Barefoot

Outdoor Summer Tips To Live By

Even if you don’t have the luxury of a big private backyard, don’t let that stop you from giving your kids the gift of being outside.

1. Don’t make it optional.

This will be a preference among families, but I don’t consider outside time optional. With the prevalence of screens, TVs, movies, games, etc. it almost seems that our generation is losing the desire to even be outside.

Now we have a big yard, but even when our back “yard” was the size of a 7-seater SUV, we still had the kids play outside each day.

If it becomes a normal part of their daily routine they’ll look forward to it.

Even “indoor kids.”

See: Avoid Summer Screen Time Battles In 4 Steps (Printable Included!) or Why Playing In and Working in Dirt is Good for Kids

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 6-12

Summer Rhythms

You’ll walk away with a customized summer plan that balances structure and spontaneity, ensuring your kids have plenty of fun, learning, and downtime—and you don’t spend the whole summer counting down to the first day of school.

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here's an awesome summer schedule for little kids to help pass the summer without the chaos

2. Get the right gear.

We are a very in/out type of house so I always want to make sure that we have outdoor clothes on hand.

At the back door we have a big rack of shoes. This is for mud boots and flip flops.
Have certain clothes that are “house clothes” and fine for getting dirty. If you are worried they will stain their clothes then neither you nor your child will enjoy being outside.
Keep hats and sunglasses available for kids. My kids will be outside longer if their eyes are shielded somewhat.

Read: 45+ Easy Outdoor Games And Activities For Kids Your Family Will Love

3. Consider the time of day.

In hotter places (like here in Florida) it’s best to avoid being outside midday unless you’re swimming.

We go in and out all day long, but for their outdoor play times (when they have to stay outside until I say they can come in) we try to do this first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you do go outside in the heat of the day, make water readily available.

Start an early morning (or late afternoon) walking tradition.
Try to keep a similar routine daily so the kids know what to expect and don’t fight it.
Invite over friends or neighbors.
Get a comfy chair and a book and relax a bit as they play.

Read: A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied & Mom Sane

Here is a great summer schedule for toddlers and preschoolers and outdoor tips for kids.

4. Get rid of obstacles.

Go around the yard and get rid of ant beds, weird places that snakes might hide, or old abandoned yard projects like broken or cracked tiles, boards with nails, etc.

How country did I just sound saying all that?

Moving on.

I’m not saying “child proof” the great outdoors itself, but make the yard or play area free so you don’t have to stress. Basically, try to make sure that you can relax while the kids play outside.

Read: How to Get Rid of Ant Beds and Treat Ant Bites Naturally

Connection & Culture

13-18, 6-12

No-Drama Screen Wean

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mom daughter in the park oversharing kids private lives what not to

5. Get outdoor “stuff.”

I personally think kids should use their imaginations and just get on with it. That said, a big blank square of grass might need a little help.

It could be shovels, a pile of dirt (or, you know, an actual sandbox), trucks, swings, trampolines, or whatever your kids like.

We actually bought a few big bouncy balls and some basic sandbox utensils and the kids will play outside for long periods of time happily until one starts pouring dirt over the other one’s head… but that’s neither here nor there.

Read: Indoor & Outdoor Toddler Climbing Toys (To Help Get That Energy Out!)

Balanced And Barefoot suggests getting some supplies and tools children can build with. Logs, 2 x 4s, tarps, rope, cement blocks, etc. If your yard permits, this is a great way to allow your children to get lost in games and imagination for hours.

6. Sunscreen.

I like to buy a slew of sunscreen at the beginning of the season and keep it in a special clear bag. This goes with me to the beach, pool, park, or anywhere else I may need to apply sunscreen.

I recommend zinc oxide as its the least toxic and it creates a barrier instead of being soaked in. This is what keeps kids from getting burned.

7. Garden.

Another way to get the kids outside is for them to help you garden.

In our last home we had long grapevines (which didn’t require an upkeep except a big trim in the winter), fruit trees, a blueberry bush, and some tomato plants.

We really only needed to water the tomato plants and fruit trees when it hadn’t rained, but the kids enjoyed it.

Whether it’s trimming hedges, watering plants, or even just picking up sticks, limbs, or weeds… getting outside is good for the kids.

And it’s good for you too.

8. Kid-friendly bug spray.

I have one child who is a mosquito magnet.

I’m serious.

We often roast s’mores over our fire pit, and everyone will come inside afterwards with no bites, and she will come in with 15 bites.

I used to attempt DIY mosquito repellant, but now there are a lot of DEET free brands safe for kids. Keep this in your sunscreen bag and you’ll be set.

Basically…

Let’s just get outdoors.

The more the kids do it, the more they’ll love it.

How can I motivate my kids to choose outdoor play over screens?

Frankly, don’t make it a choice. Create a daily routine for your kids that includes playing outside and stick with it – the more your kids play outside the more they will want to, even if they resist it in the beginning.

My kids only want to play with their neighborhood friends when they’re outside. How do we navigate this?

Determine what your boundaries around playing outside and with friends are. Some parents may consider their kids riding bikes with their neighborhood friends as fine for outdoor play while others may want their kids to stay in their own yard. Establish your rules when it comes to outdoor play that align with your values and goals for this part of your day.

What outdoor activities are suitable for my child’s age and interests?

For toddlers, things like sandboxes and popping bubbles are fun and safe while they’re playing outside alone. Preschoolers can play in the dirt and draw with chalk. Elementary age children can play sports outside and do outdoor crafts. Ultimately, take your child’s specific abilities and interests into account when choosing outdoor activities for them.

Sources:

Preschooler And Up

Tasks, jobs, & chores for toddlers & preschoolers

These chores help toddlers build independence

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

These chores help mom out

Some life skills that double as chores

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Life skills kids can do

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

why & how to display your routines

Motivation – why independent routines matter

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

Morning routine printables

Here are some things to add to your little one’s morning routine

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

Afternoon routine charts

Printable bedtime routine chart

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

Here are some things that can go in the bedtime routine chart

WHERE to put your visual morning & bedtime routine charts

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

Things to keep in mind when using visual routines with kids

FAQs

50+ Connection Questions

Raising Independent Children

Talk a lot.

Be consistent with follow-up.

50+ Connection Questions

Promote raising independent children, but always be near for support.

Maintain your authority.

50+ Connection Questions

Raising Independent Children Re-Cap

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Politeness

So that being said… politeness comes down to two things.

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Body Language

Here are some body language tips for good manners:

General Manners

It’s those manners that are viewed as rude if not obeyed.

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Conversational Manners

Here’s a good rule:

Here are some other conversational manners:

The Golden Rule

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Ways to Build & Practice Good Manners

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

The cons are they don’t actually function well without routine.

A Summer Schedule For Toddlers And Preschoolers

1. Find a new rhythm

You don’t have to do what you always did. You can make a new normal for the summer months.

2. Change sleep times, but don’t sleep less

And get black out curtains.

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

3. Add in daily rituals to your summer schedule

Either way, daily rituals make a big difference in your everyday summer schedule.

4. Be gradual

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Change meal times, bedtimes, or activity times gradually and see how your children react.

5. Don’t drop alone time

Who doesn’t?

6. Space it out

Our Normal Summer Schedule (For Toddlers, Preschoolers, & Elementary Aged Kids)

Have an Awesome Summer…

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

It is So Tempting to resort to more screen time than we’d like.

Create A Summer Routine (With Screen Time Rules) That Avoids Power Battles

Codes & Controls… STAT

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Chores Come First, Play Comes After During Summer

Choose Screen Time Of Day Wisely

If you like having an hour to read and prepare for the day in the morning, allow screen time in the morning.

Teach Routine Independence Even During The Summer Months

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Include screen time in your routine.

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Basically, I created a theme for each day of the week and thought of no-prep, no-purchase-necessary activities that corresponded with the day.

Here are 5 basic (at home) summer camp theme ideas and easy no-prep actvities